Many people in our country have cardiovascular diseases that affect the heart, its muscles, and blood vessels. These diseases stress the heart, forcing the organ to work harder and increasing the risk of heart failure and heart attacks. To prevent these consequences, experts recommend people undergo cardiac stress tests to diagnose hidden heart issues on time and begin treatment. Read on to learn about the different cardiac stress tests and who should opt for them.
What are the different types of cardiac stress tests?
Depending on the situation, a cardiologist may recommend either of the following tests:
Exercise stress test
This test monitors blood pressure, heart rate, and overall heart function during exercise. Doctors attach sticky electrodes to the patient’s chest and ask them to walk on a treadmill at varying speeds. The electrodes help monitor heartbeat while the exercise is underway. At the end of the test, one may be asked to breathe into a mouthpiece to measure their lung capacity. They may also be asked to lie down for some time while their blood pressure is monitored. The exercise stress test may be recommended to determine the presence of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries that block blood flow to the heart.
Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET)
The CPET measures how well the lungs and heart work together to deliver blood to the body. It also analyzes how the muscles utilize oxygen and monitors one’s breathing patterns as they exercise at varying difficulty levels. During the procedure, the doctor asks the patient to breathe into a lung function machine as they assess their basic lung functions. One must then walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike. This helps the expert measure blood circulation and heart performance during exercise. Patients may also be asked to wear an air-tight mask (spirometry) to assess how much air they can inhale and exhale.
Electrocardiogram
This test assesses the heart’s condition using an EKG (electrocardiogram) without requiring the patient to perform physical activity. It is mainly recommended for people who cannot exercise due to conditions that cause mobility issues, including injury and arthritis. At the start of the test, a healthcare expert attaches 12 to 15 electrodes to different parts of the patient’s body. These electrodes help monitor the heart’s electrical activity. The results are often in the form of graphs, which the expert can interpret for a diagnosis.
Nuclear stress test
This is an imaging test in which doctors administer radioactive substances to assess whether the heart muscles get enough blood during exercise and rest. It helps determine if the patient has a blockage in the arteries or if the arteries are damaged due to a previous heart attack. This test can be done both with and without exercise:
- With exercise: The patient is administered a tracer. Once absorbed, the experts perform an imaging test to scan the heart. The patient is then shifted to a treadmill or stationary bike and given another tracer dose. After this, another scan is taken, and the images derived before and after the exercise are compared.
- Without exercise: The patient is administered a solution to increase the heart rate. An imaging test is then performed to scan the heart and monitor the blood flow in the heart muscles.
Sometimes, patients may be connected to an ECG monitor through metal disks (electrodes) attached to the legs, arms, and chest.
Who should undergo cardiac stress tests?
In most cases, cardiologists recommend these tests if a person experiences the following symptoms:
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Frequent shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain or clenching without a known cause
- Sudden sweating without any reason
These tests are also required if a person:
- Already suffers from a cardiovascular disease that needs monitoring.
- Is at high risk for cardiac problems due to their family history.
- Is about to undergo heart surgery soon, and the surgeon needs to evaluate their fitness.
- Needs to develop a safe exercise plan.
How much do cardiac stress tests cost?
The cost of these tests can vary depending on one’s location and whether or not their insurance covers the procedure. Exercise stress tests are usually cheaper than CPET tests, which can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $1,800. The chemical nuclear test is the most expensive and can be billed at around $5,000.
Cardiac stress tests are the safest way to know how healthy one’s heart is and take steps to prevent cardiovascular problems in the long run. However, individuals should ask the doctor for specific precautions they need to take before the test for accurate results.